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Foreningen Kulturelt Intiativ
Sandefjord
The association KULTURELT INITIATIV was founded on 9 May 1996 with the aim of promoting cultural activities in Sandefjord. For the first years the association's venue was Mozarthaven – the back courtyard of Edgar Ludls Gourmet.
The summer programmes here were very popular, and consisted of one staged production plus a series of concerts. The main focus was on classical music: opera/operettas and chamber concerts. Mozart and Austrian music and culture were central, and we had a close collaboration with the Austrian Embassy – something we had had ever since 1991. At that time a large festival was created in the town in connection with the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death. Visits from the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the operettas Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and Countess Maritza were highlights, along with celebrations of 200 years of Schubert and 1000 years of Austria. In recognition of its efforts for Austrian music and culture, our artistic director received the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art in 2001.
The greatest success in Mozarthaven was when we achieved what was really supposed to be impossible: obtaining the rights to a staged performance of Porgy and Bess in connection with George Gershwin's 100th anniversary in 1998. The very first Bess from 1935 – Anne Brown – was the one who gave the permission through the Gershwin family, and who directed the production. The whole courtyard was rebuilt as Catfish Row, and the audience became inhabitants of this run-down fishing village.
In 2002 the association extended its performance season in its eagerness to bring about activity at Hjertnes Amfi. The outdoor stage had stood almost unused since Hjertnes was new in 1975. Midtsommer festkonsert was the name of the new venture, and in the first year we celebrated Richard Rodgers's 100th birthday with the concert Rodgers & Hammerstein Gala Concert. The enthusiasm was great, and already in the first year we had to put on two concerts on the same day. The Midtsommer festkonsert has featured many exciting projects, such as performances of a number of tunes from The Phantom of the Opera in collaboration with the New York Pops Orchestra, Show Boat in Concert and Cole Porter Celebration Concert. The greatest event was when none other than Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was soloist together with Thomas Ruud in 2011.
In connection with Mozart's 250th anniversary in 2006 we went all out, and arranged opera and concerts throughout the year. We also took a great interest in Midtåsen as a cultural arena as early as 2007, when the magnificent property was opened to the public. Midtåsen barnefestival was created as the only children's/family festival in the country founded on classical music and themes. Several new types of concerts were the result of the inspiration we gained at the property. Kulturelt Initiativ is the institution that has done the most to develop Midtåsen as a cultural arena – now through nearly 600 performances. We are proud of that and wish to go on developing our concept there. In 2015 we therefore changed the name of our summer festival to Midtåsen kulturfestival. We are constantly working to develop Midtåsen further as a flagship arena for classical music in the region – and Midtåsen barnefestival as a flagship festival in presenting classical music for children, young people and families nationwide.
It is a great honour for us that Kulturelt Initiativ was appointed a partner of the international festival BTHVN2020 and, with the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn and the United Nations, on the occasion of the Pastorale project on World Environment Day. A celebration of the master's 250th anniversary through TO BEethoven – or not TO BEethoven began in the world's first and only sensory church, Tomaskirken på Signo in Andebu, on 29 January 2020 and consisted of as many as 53 concerts in his spirit throughout the year. The situation around the Corona pandemic means that we still have some treats in store – but perhaps that is how it will always be with the greatest masters?
The association Kulturelt Initiativ has a membership of nearly 250 members and a very good collaboration with regional business, public bodies and foundations/funds. Everyone is looking forward to presenting a programme for 2026 consisting of nearly 50 performances. Culture is the glue of society – and very important in today's world situation. Join us in building this further – be a
FRIEND OF CULTURE
and invite good friends along to the most wonderful experiences!
Upcoming concerts
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Past concerts
- 26. Sep 2026De tre S-ene! - HøstKlassisk 2026Hjertnes kulturhus, Sandefjord
- 26. Sep 2026Stempler! - HøstKlassisk 2026Hjertnes kulturhus, Sandefjord
- 25. Sep 2026Lige De Ligeti? - HøstKlassisk 2026Hjertnes kulturhus, Sandefjord
- 19. Jul 2026Lyden av musikk - The Sound of Music!Midtåsen, Sandefjord
- 19. Jul 2026HARD CLASSIC CAFÉMidtåsen, Sandefjord
- 18. Jul 2026Café d'amoreMidtåsen, Sandefjord
- 18. Jul 2026MORGENSTEMNING!Midtåsen Skulpturpaviljong, Sandefjord
- 17. Jul 2026TryllefløytenMidtåsen, Sandefjord
- 17. Jul 2026WienerCaféMidtåsen, Sandefjord
- 16. Jul 20261 + 1 = 4 – PIANISSIMO!!!Arnebergstuen, Midtåsen, Sandefjord
The 10 most recent of 176 past concerts. Use the date filter to see more.
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